# What the Strengthening the AfCFTA Act Does

This bill is about the United States getting more involved in supporting trade between African countries. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is an agreement signed in 2018 that lets African nations trade more freely with each other, similar to how the European Union works. This bill directs the U.S. government to develop a comprehensive 10-year plan to help make that African trade agreement work better and to create more business opportunities for American companies in the process.

The bill requires the U.S. Trade Representative to create a detailed strategy focused on practical improvements like making customs processes faster and more efficient, improving roads and ports that African traders use, and helping African countries align their trade rules with each other. The strategy also aims to support African women, youth, and small business owners who want to participate in this expanded trade. The bill emphasizes consulting with African partners, American businesses (including those owned by people with African heritage), and civil society groups to make sure the strategy actually works on the ground.

To make this happen, the bill authorizes $200 million per year for ten years—from 2025 through 2034—to fund these trade-building activities through the U.S. Agency for International Development. This money would support things like training, infrastructure improvements, and technical assistance. The bill also requires the President to report back to Congress every two years on how well the strategy is working, what's been accomplished, and what challenges remain. For American businesses, this could mean new markets and supply chain opportunities in Africa. For African countries, it means more U.S. support in building the infrastructure and systems needed to trade more efficiently with each other.

Strengthening the AfCFTA Act of 2022

Bass, Karen

Strengthening the African Continental Free Trade Area Act of 2022 or the Strengthening the AfCFTA Act of 2022 This bill requires the President to direct the U.S. Trade Representative to develop a 10-year federal strategy to promote the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Additionally, the U.S. Agency for International Development must establish an AfCFTA Trade Capacity Building Program to support the implementation of the strategy.